This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, we welcome back Brandon Smith of Cross & Miter and Hunter Locke of Black Tenon Furniture, the organizers behind The Maine Woodworking Event, for a full post-event recap. When Brandon and Hunter joined us before the event, we talked about the vision behind bringing woodworkers, makers, brands, educators, and content creators together in Maine. Now they’re back to tell us what actually happened. We’re getting into the moments that exceeded expectations, the things that didn’t go according to plan, what they learned about organizing an event of this size, feedback from attendees and vendors, and what they would do differently next time. We’ll also look at the bigger question: Where does The Maine Woodworking Event go from here? Expect stories from behind the scenes, lessons learned the hard way, what surprised Brandon and Hunter most, and an early look at what the future could hold for one of the woodworking community’s growing in-person events. If you attended The Maine Woodworking Event, we want to hear from you. What was your favorite part? What would you like to see next year? Drop it in the comments and join the conversation. 🪚 Guests: Brandon Smith — Cross & Miter Hunter Locke — Black Tenon Furniture 🌲 The Maine Woodworking Event: themainewoodworkingevent.com Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #MaineWoodworkingEvent #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #Woodworkers #WoodworkingCommunity #MakerCommunity #FurnitureMaking #CustomFurniture #CrossAndMiter #BlackTenonFurniture #WoodworkingPodcast #Makers #Woodworker #WoodworkingEvent #FurnitureMaker

Join the guys from Creative Makers Podcast LIVE for some uncensored maker shop talk, opinions, stories, laughs, and probably a few arguments about the tools we all spend way too much money on. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #WoodworkingTools #PowerTools #Tools #ToolTalk #MakerCommunity #Woodworker #Woodshop #BudgetTools #PremiumTools #Festool #MilwaukeeTools #DeWaltTools #HarborFreight #ToolReview #DIY #MakersGonnaMake #Workshop #ToolAddict

Walk into a tool store today and the sticker shock is REAL. From table saws and track saws to cordless tools, CNC machines, lasers, dust collection systems, and even basic hand tools—how much is TOO MUCH to spend on tools? Tonight on Creative Makers Podcast, we’re diving into the Budget Tools vs. Premium Tools debate. Does spending more on brands like Festool, SawStop, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch and other premium equipment actually get you a better tool—or are you sometimes just paying for the name? We’ll talk about: 🛠️ Budget tools vs. professional tools 💰 When is a premium tool actually worth the money? 🔥 Have tool prices gotten out of control? 🔋 Are battery ecosystems locking makers into expensive brands? ⚙️ Buy once, cry once—or buy what gets the job done? 🪚 Harbor Freight vs. premium brands 💸 What’s the MOST you’ve ever spent on a tool? 😬 What’s your biggest tool purchase regret? 🏆 Which expensive tools are actually worth every penny? 🤔 Does better equipment really make you a better maker? And here’s the BIG question: Are today’s tools actually better—or have manufacturers simply convinced us that we need more expensive equipment? We want the LIVE CHAT involved in this one! 👇 Tell us: What’s one expensive tool you absolutely DON’T regret buying—and what’s one tool you seriously overpaid for? Join the guys from Creative Makers Podcast LIVE for some uncensored maker shop talk, opinions, stories, laughs, and probably a few arguments about the tools we all spend way too much money on. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #WoodworkingTools #PowerTools #Tools #ToolTalk #MakerCommunity #Woodworker #Woodshop #BudgetTools #PremiumTools #Festool #MilwaukeeTools #DeWaltTools #HarborFreight #ToolReview #DIY #MakersGonnaMake #Workshop #ToolAddict How this was made

Tonight on Creative Makers Podcast, we’re heading into the Catskill Mountains with special guest Austin Handel of Blackthorne Resort, host of the Catskill Mountain Maker Camp! We’re getting to know Austin, talking about the history and community behind Blackthorne Resort, and diving into what makes Catskill Mountain Maker Camp one of the most unique gatherings in the maker community. We’ll also get the inside scoop on Maker Camp 2026, happening October 9–12, 2026 at Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, New York. Maker Camp brings together woodworkers, blacksmiths, metalworkers, artists, craftspeople, DIYers, educators, content creators, and makers of all skill levels for a weekend centered around hands-on learning, craftsmanship, creativity, and community. What makes Maker Camp such a special experience? What can first-time attendees expect? How has the event grown? And what’s in store for 2026? We’ll talk about all of that and more with Austin LIVE! 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE: • Meet Austin Handel • Life at Blackthorne Resort • The story behind Catskill Mountain Maker Camp • What makes Maker Camp different from other maker events • What first-time attendees should know • Demonstrations, workshops & hands-on making • The maker community and friendships behind the event • What’s coming for Maker Camp 2026 • Why makers should experience the Catskills in October Whether you’re into woodworking, blacksmithing, CNC, metalworking, fabrication, leathercraft, DIY projects, tools, or just making things, this is one show you don’t want to miss. Join the Creative Makers Podcast LIVE, jump into the chat, bring your questions for Austin, and find out why so many makers make the trip to the Catskills for Maker Camp! Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #MakerCamp2026 #CatskillMountainMakerCamp #MakerCamp #BlackthorneResort #MakerCommunity #Woodworking #Woodworker #Blacksmithing #Metalworking #MakersGonnaMake #MakerMovement #DIY #Craftsmanship #WoodworkingCommunity #Tools #Workshop #Handmade #ContentCreator #CatskillMountains #EastDurhamNY #MakersOfInstagram #WoodworkingPodcast #MakerPodcast #PodcastLive

Every woodworker has had that ONE board that just refused to cooperate! 😂 Tonight on Creative Makers Podcast, we’re talking about WHEN THE WOOD TALKS BACK — those frustrating, hilarious, and sometimes project-destroying moments when lumber seems to have a mind of its own. We’re sharing stories about boards that warped after milling, twisted overnight, split at the worst possible moment, cupped after glue-up, moved after assembly, or completely rebelled halfway through a project. We’ll talk about: 🪵 Why wood moves, twists, cups, bows, and cracks 🪵 Lumber that looked perfect…until you started milling it 🪵 Projects ruined by unexpected wood movement 🪵 Moisture and acclimation mistakes 🪵 Glue-ups that went sideways 🪵 When to save a board—and when to throw in the towel 🪵 Our biggest lumber disasters and lessons learned 🪵 What we do differently now And we want to hear YOUR stories! Have you ever walked into the shop the next morning and discovered that yesterday’s perfectly flat board had transformed into a rocking chair? Drop your worst “WOOD TALKED BACK” story in the live chat! 🔥 CREATIVE MAKERS PODCAST — LIVE 🎙️ Woodworking • Makers • Tools • Shop Talk • Community Come hang out with the CMP crew for another night of woodworking stories, laughs, lessons learned, and live maker discussion. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #WoodworkingPodcast #Woodworkers #WoodMovement #WoodworkingMistakes #WoodworkingTips #Lumber #Woodshop #MakerCommunity #WoodworkingProjects #WoodworkingLive #ShopTalk #DIYWoodworking #Makers

Every maker has that one project. The build that pushed your skills to the limit. The one that kept you awake at night. The project where nothing went according to plan—but somehow became one of your greatest learning experiences. This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, the hosts are sharing the most challenging projects we’ve ever taken on and diving into the lessons we learned along the way. We’ll discuss: 🔨 The most difficult project each of us has ever built 🤯 The biggest challenges that nearly stopped us 📚 The books, mentors, YouTube channels, classes, and communities that helped us succeed 💡 The mistakes we’d never make again 🎯 How overcoming difficult projects made us better makers 🔥 Advice for anyone facing a project that feels impossible Whether you’re a woodworker, CNC enthusiast, furniture builder, 3D printing maker, metalworker, luthier, or DIY creator, you’ve probably experienced a project that tested your patience, creativity, and determination. Join us live as we share the successes, failures, and lessons that shaped us into the makers we are today—and we’d love to hear about YOUR most challenging project in the chat! 👇 Tell us in the comments: What was the hardest project you’ve ever completed, and what did it teach you? 👍 If you enjoy conversations about woodworking, CNC, DIY, craftsmanship, and maker education, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on Notifications so you never miss a live episode of the Creative Makers Podcast. 🎙 Creative Makers Podcast 📅 LIVE every Sunday 🕗 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #Maker #DIY #CNC #FurnitureMaking #Woodworker #MakerCommunity #Workshop #ShopTalk #Craftsmanship #WoodworkingProjects #LearnWoodworking #CreativeMakers #Podcast

Every maker has an opinion when it comes to organizing the shop… and everyone thinks they’re right. This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in woodworking and maker spaces: 🪚 French Cleats 🔧 Wall Control 🧰 Milwaukee Packout 🗄️ Shop Cabinets 📦 Drawers 🪵 Open Shelving Which system gives you the best workflow? Which one wastes space? Which one grows with your shop? And which one is just plain overrated? Whether you’re building your first garage workshop or outfitting your dream maker space, we’ll break down the pros, cons, costs, flexibility, and real-world experience behind each organization method. We’ll discuss: -Which system makes tools easiest to find -Budget vs premium organization solutions -Mobile storage vs fixed storage -What actually works in a busy woodworking shop -Mistakes we’ve made organizing our own shops -How our organization systems have changed over the years 💬 Join us LIVE and tell us which side you’re on! We want to hear your opinions in the chat and settle this debate once and for all. 👍 If you enjoy woodworking, DIY projects, CNC, furniture making, 3D printing, and shop tips, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Bell so you never miss an episode of the Creative Makers Podcast. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #Maker #Workshop #ShopOrganization #FrenchCleats #WallControl #Packout #MilwaukeePackout #GarageWorkshop #WorkshopStorage #DIY #Woodshop #ToolOrganization #GarageGoals #FurnitureMaking #MakerCommunity #WoodworkingPodcast #LivePodcast #MakersGonnaMake

After six incredible weeks of amazing guests, it’s time for the Creative Makers Podcast crew to get back around the table! This week, Steve Iadarola, Joey Gonzales, Matt Wackerle, and Matthew Girouard are catching up on everything that’s been happening in their shops. From current builds and new tools to upcoming projects, lessons learned, shop wins (and maybe a few failures), nothing is off the table. Join us LIVE as we discuss: 🛠️ Shop updates from all four hosts 📐 Current furniture, woodworking, CNC and maker projects 🎸 Luthiery, woodworking and fabrication progress ⚙️ New tools, techniques and shop improvements 💡 What we’ve learned from six straight weeks of incredible guests 🎙️ Behind-the-scenes stories from the Creative Makers Podcast ❓ Live audience Q&A throughout the show 🚀 What’s coming next for the podcast and our channels Whether you’re a woodworker, furniture maker, CNC enthusiast, turner, luthier, metalworker, or just enjoy creating with your hands, pull up a chair and join the conversation! We’d love to hear what YOU have been building lately, so jump into the live chat and be part of the discussion. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #Makers #Woodworker #MakerCommunity #CNC #DIY #FurnitureMaking #ShopTalk #Woodshop #Luthier #WoodworkingCommunity #MakerLife #LivePodcast #YouTubeLive #Podcast #Workshop #FineWoodworking #ShopUpdate #CreativeCommunity

What does it take to build a successful custom furniture business in just a few short years? This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, we’re joined by Hunter Locke of Black Tenon Furniture to find out. Based in Scarborough, Maine, Hunter has built an impressive reputation creating handcrafted custom furniture for clients across New England. From elegant bedroom furniture to massive conference tables, his work combines clean design, precision craftsmanship, and a relentless drive to improve with every project. We’ll dive into: 🪵 How Hunter got started in woodworking 🪑 Designing and building custom furniture for clients 📈 Growing Black Tenon Furniture into a successful business 🛠️ Lessons learned during his first six years as a professional woodworker 🎯 Pushing craftsmanship and continually improving your skills 🌲 Behind the scenes of The Maine Woodworking Event 🤝 Building community within the woodworking world ❓ Live audience Q&A Whether you’re a professional furniture maker, hobbyist woodworker, CNC enthusiast, or someone dreaming of turning your passion into a career, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and honest conversation. 👉 Join us LIVE and be part of the discussion in the chat! If you enjoy the show, please: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment with your questions for Hunter 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Support the Creative Makers Podcast ❤️ Patreon: https://supportcmp.com 🎙️ New episodes stream LIVE every Sunday at 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central. Follow Hunter Locke 🌐 Website: https://www.blacktenonfurniture.com 📸 Instagram: / blacktenonfurniture ▶️ YouTube: / @blacktenonfurniture 🪵 The Maine Woodworking Event: https://www.themainewoodworkingevent.... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #HunterLocke #BlackTenonFurniture #Woodworking #FurnitureMaker #CustomFurniture #FineWoodworking #Woodworker #Maker #FurnitureDesign #Woodshop #Craftsmanship #TheMaineWoodworkingEvent #WoodworkingCommunity #MakersGonnaMake #DIYWoodworking #WoodworkingLife #Handcrafted #SmallBusiness #Podcast

One of the most recognizable voices in woodworking is a guest on the Creative Makers Podcast! This Sunday at 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central, we’re excited to welcome Brian “Sedge” Sedgeley from SedgeTool to the show! With more than 30 years of woodworking experience, Sedge has inspired thousands of makers through his educational content, demonstrations, and honest approach to the craft. From years as one of Festool’s premier educators to his current work with Rubio Monocoat, Sedge has helped woodworkers around the world build better projects and become better makers. He’s also one of the co-hosts of the Three Splinters Podcast, where woodworking, tools, and shop life are always on the agenda. We’ll be talking about: 🔹 Sedge’s woodworking journey 🔹 Building a career creating woodworking content 🔹 Shop tips, favorite tools, and techniques 🔹 Finishing with Rubio Monocoat 🔹 The maker community and what’s next 🔹 Viewer Q&A LIVE! Whether you’re just getting started in woodworking or you’ve been in the shop for decades, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Guest: Brian Sedgeley Website: YouTube: / sedgetool Instagram: / sedgetool Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #SedgeTool #BrianSedgeley #Woodworking #Woodworker #Maker #DIY #RubioMonocoat #Festool #WoodworkingCommunity #ThreeSplintersPodcast #MakerCommunity #ShopTalk #LivePodcast #YouTubeLive #Woodshop #FurnitureMaking #FineWoodworking #ContentCreator #Podcast